Q. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?

Model Answer: 

Parliamentary Committee system in India

The Parliamentary Committee system is an essential component of India’s legislative process, providing a platform for detailed scrutiny of bills, policies, and government actions. These committees, constituted by the presiding officers of both houses, play a crucial role in executive oversight and ensuring accountability.

Structure:

1. Types of Committees:
a) Standing Committees: Permanent bodies with defined terms of reference.
b) Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary bodies formed for specific purposes.

2. Composition: Members are nominated by the Speaker or Chairman, with composition roughly reflecting party strengths in Parliament. They typically serve one-year terms.

3. Functioning: Committees operate non-partisan, hold in-camera meetings, gather evidence, and produce comprehensive reports.

Financial Committees and Their Role:

1. Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
– Examines government accounts and CAG reports
– Ensures compliance with Parliament’s financial decisions
– Highlights cases of waste or corruption

2. Estimates Committee:
– Examines budget estimates
– Suggests economies in public expenditure
– Proposes alternative policies for improved efficiency

3. Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU):
– Examines reports and accounts of public sector undertakings
– Assesses efficiency and performance of PSUs

Institutionalization of Indian Parliament:

Financial committees have significantly contributed to the institutionalization of the Indian Parliament by:
1. Enhancing parliamentary control over public expenditure
2. Ensuring financial accountability of the executive
3. Improving transparency in government financial operations
4. Promoting efficiency in public undertakings

For instance, the PAC’s scrutiny of the 2G spectrum allocation exposed irregularities, leading to policy reforms. The Estimates Committee’s recommendations have often resulted in public expenditure savings, while COPU’s oversight has improved the performance of public sector enterprises.

However, challenges remain, including the need to strengthen committee independence, enhance research support, and improve the follow-up mechanism on recommendations.

Conclusion:
The Parliamentary Committee system, especially financial committees, has significantly strengthened India’s democracy by enhancing accountability and scrutiny. While challenges remain, these committees continue to play a crucial role in institutionalizing Parliament and promoting good governance.